STUDENTS and staff at St Catherine's School in Ventnor are celebrating after an outstanding Ofsted care report.
The report praised the school's work with its students, all of whom have severe and lifelong speech, language and communication needs and associated conditions, such as autistic spectrum disorders, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Following a three-day Ofsted inspection in March, the school, which supports day and residential students, was judged to be outstanding.
An inspector reported: "Young people are at the centre of all practice within the school. They make outstanding progress.
"Young people make measurable progress in their independent social and living skills as well as their speech and language.
"Disability is not a barrier to achievement. Staff have extremely high aspirations for all young people in their care.
"The genuinely whole-school approach towards meeting the needs of young people is the main strength of the school."
Rachel Weldon, principal of St Catherine's School, said: "We are delighted with the result of this Ofsted inspection, which is a great testament to the excellent teamwork and dedicated staff here at St Catherine's.
"I would like to thank everyone - staff, governors and parents/carers - for their continued commitment towards our ultimate goal of supporting students with speech, language and communication needs to reach their full potential in life.
"We must also say a big thank you to our wonderful students, who, despite their difficulties, give their best on a daily basis."